Confession: I am new at being a military wife … but I am definitely not new at judging books. In fact, I haven’t finished a terrible (or somewhat annoying) book since 11th grade, and that was a book on tape that I listened to by force — when the “force” was not getting a bad grade. Every book I’ve actually finished since, however, has been amazing. That’s also why I’m oh-so-delighted to recommend The Modern Military Spouse, a super awesome book that everyone I’ve ever met should read. Unlike most military wife literature (if that’s not already a genre, it just got coined), it realizes we’re some real down-ass chicks. And we need to read some down-ass books. Like this one that outlines the ups and the downs, the hardships that non-military won’t quite understand, and the simple differences from civilian world that create absolutely massive lifestyle gaps. Who Should Read the Book? Any military […]

The term “basic bitch” may be so 2014, but for today, we’re bringing it back. Why? Because it’s fall, and hearing “basic” reminds me, almost exclusive, of everything fall. Seeing as some Internet someone decided to associate the term with everything awesome, it stuck. In my head. Where I’m reminded of every fall awesome thing. Like: Leggings Yes and yes some more. They are comfortable like a vacation for the legs. And you can wear them with baggy shirts … without feeling guilty about it. Whoever talks crap on leggings has never worn them. Or hates being great at life. Pumpkin Flavored Anything Guys, pumpkin tastes delicious. And it’s seasonal, just like every vegetable in the summer or peppermint in the winter. (All of which have a great reputation, BTW.) Let’s all stop talking crap already and leave pumpkin spice alone. Just like Britney. Scarves They’re warm. They’re comfortable. They’re […]

Every year as the temperature drops, I start getting excited about books. All over again, that is. The air will chill while the leaves change color and almost immediately, I’m in need of a book. (Which means three weeks ago.) There’s just something about the fall smell that makes me want to read. Probably weather that isn’t sweaty … along with sunset times that encourage lamps. All of those things, among other reasons, make me want to read. Which I then do, happily. Not just any book, though. It has to be a good one. As a smart librarian once told me, there’s no point in reading a terrible book. If it sucks, stop reading. And trust me, I’ve stopped reading plenty sucky/boring books. But this is a list of ones that don’t suck: The Night Circus It’s quirky. It’s intriguing. And it’s some great writing. Three ingredients for a […]

It’s getting crunchy up in here. And I like it. The crunchier, the better, I say – just like my peanut butter. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it’s a new-fangled way to talk about being green and/or organic. But just like everything, I only ever want to make my own version of it. I’m not going super hippie and hand-crafting everything. Just some things. There will be no hand-fashioned tampons by moi. And especially not cleaning the carpet with a homemade vacuum. Or not shaving and avoiding store-made clothes. Store-made clothes are the best fitting kinds of them all. But sometimes, I like being super pioneer-y. Like that day, two days ago, when I made homemade fruit roll ups (that are delicious, BTW) and transferred the starter plants into the ground. Then ate man casserole that held more than 2.5 pounds of meat. Or the time I organized all […]

I’m somewhat of an adventurous eater. Maybe I’m a little hungry while I’m writing this post. Or I might just need a hard copy of things I’m gearing up to eat on vacation. Probably a little of all of them. But I’m still making this list, so deal with it. The things I want to eat this summer, or at least try: All of this Seafood ALL of it. Homegrown Veggies Don’t mind me while I become a farmer’s market regular. (If you have one that lets you pay on the honor system, I need to know about it.) Chocolate Cake But maybe not all in one sitting. UNSWEET Tea — So Much Tea It’s my main vice. Salads in a Jar Don’t mind me while I get my Pinterest on. Burgers Burgers with blue cheese, burgers with bacon. Seriously, where is the beef?!

In the midst of my recent move (yes I moved, both addresses and towns, albeit slightly), I was forced on a tea hiatus. Where everything in the entire place was packed – except for my computer, which I am typing on right now, and also Toga, who stayed at Grandma Cork Head and Grandpa Wonk’s. It was there that he played with us uncle brother, Jasper, who is his actual litter mate, for two entire weeks. So long so that he was only mildly excited to see me upon his entrance to the new home. That is, until no one was watching and he slept two millimeters from my face for nights at a time. Anyway, the tea. It was packed up and I could not get to it. But I wanted it. I wanted to taste its deliciousness and benefit from its subtle hints of caffeine. But there were […]

Next week I’m going to Colorado. And I’m pretty pumped about it, obviously. Except when this posts, it will be this week – or last week. Maybe the week before last – who can keep up with my writing/posting schedule anyway? Definitely not me, for the second-most obvious statement for the day. Anyway, at some point in time I went to Colorado. To see a friend with a friend. (Who I decided was going with me and booked her ticket without confirming, which tells me she should always have a work-as-requested job.) And it’s going to be one of the best times in a while. Not only because I haven’t seen Colorado friend since the last time I accidentally ran into. But also because it means it’s a vacation, which I haven’t had since October. Basically, I’m due. Sure that means the week before will have twice as much work, […]